Which upgrade next?

[Yanchik]

Hello, I'm in the process of upgrading the handling on my Small Block 1970 Skylark.

Everything is stock except for:
- KYB shocks
- 1.25" Trans Am FRONT Sway-Bar


Now I have the cash to upgrade to the following:



UMI 1" Drop Springs (Front and Rear) 530lb/130lb
Viking Double Adjustable Shocks (Front and Rear)
UMI REAR Sway Bar (1")

With about $500 left, I'm not sure what to upgrade last. Should I do rear control arms (upper and lower) w/roto joints OR Front (Upper) Tubular Control Arms w/tall ball joint?
Which one of these will have a better improvement on handling? Any input is greatly appreciated!!

[icemanrd19]

Make sure whatever control arms you pick mix with your lowering kit

[Zspoiler]

I would mount the sway bar. Then keep saving your money for the next upgrade

[High Plains Mopars]

Performance alignment, then save $$ for wheels and tires.

[mike@sim-seats]

Of everything on your wish list, I would only do the springs. I would not buy the drop springs you are suggesting, but rather shorter circle track springs of the same rate and adjustable perches to set ride height independent of preload.

Adding more rear anti-sway bar will add stiffness to the rear suspension and promote oversteer. Is this what your car needs? The same effect can be had by increasing the rear spring rate (and you're already planning to change that).

After that I would be looking for wheels/tires as mentioned, or a set of upper control arms that will give you more caster.

[raustinss]

call Ron Sutton !....he can guide you the direction you will want to go with part selection that makes sense now but also in the future . Theres no point to putting crazy spring or shocks or sway bars if they ultimately aren't what would be correct for what your end goals are . ie the wrong sway bar can actually hurt handling , why buy lowering springs if you want coilovers in the future and, same with front lower control arms. you need to think of the suspension as a system and everything must match and work together

[Rod]

UMI 1" Drop Springs (Front and Rear) 530lb/130lb
Viking Double Adjustable Shocks (Front and Rear)
UMI REAR Sway Bar (1")

With about $500 left, I'm not sure what to upgrade last. Should I do rear control arms (upper and lower) w/roto joints OR Front (Upper) Tubular Control Arms w/tall ball joint?
Which one of these will have a better improvement on handling? Any input is greatly appreciated!!

PM sent, I can help

[BMR Sales]

Your Next Upgrade should to be to get rid of the KYBs and get a good Shock setup

[TheJDMan]

Before you buy anything, you need to consult with Rod Prouty!!!! Suspension systems are one of those items that are easy to get wrong. There are a lot of parts in a suspension that must work together and there is a difference making them work well. DO NOT try mixing and matching parts unless you actually know how to calculate what works and what doesn't. Buy a complete suspension package from one of our vendors. BTW, did I mention that you need to consult with Rod Prouty?

[alocker]

Alignment like said above, and often overlooked. Your not guaranteed to get what you need at your standard muffler tire shop. I learned this and wasted money. Ended up taking the car to a race shop and the difference was significant. Or spend the money on the tools to do it yourself.

[High Plains Mopars]

Your Next Upgrade should to be to get rid of the KYBs and get a good Shock setup

Shocks are actually in his list of current upgrades being pursued. He wants to know whats out there after that.